The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Gardner-Webb
Akron Softball Sweeps Two for Fifth Straight Win
March 13 | Softball
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Akron softball knocked out 16 total hits and senior Erin Seiler (Bowling Green, Ohio) surrendered just eight hits in 13 innings pitched en route to sweeping Gardner-Webb, 9-2, and Canisius, 3-0, on day two of the George Washington Invitational Sunday afternoon in Washington, D.C.
With the pair of W's on the day, the Zips conclude the George Washington Invitational with a 4-0 record and improve to 13-10 overall. Akron has now won five straight and 11 of its last 12 contests.
"Very pleased to be heading back to Ohio with four wins this weekend. We played as a whole unit from our pitching in the circle, to the defense behind them and getting it done offensively," said head coach Julie Jones. "MAC play is right around the corner and we look forward to getting back at in practice to keep our momentum going."
The Zips ace got the starting nod for both games of the day. Seiler threw a combined 13 innings on the afternoon, surrendering 8 hits against Gardner-Webb (2) and Canisius (6) while recording nine K's. The righty tossed a complete game shutout against the Golden Griffens and gave up one run to the Bulldogs.
After posting two hits in the initial three innings of game one against Garnder-Webb, the Akron bats got going in fourth inning as the Zips scored at least one run in the final four innings.
Akron tied up the game at one in the top of the fourth inning to initiate the scoring frenzy. Junior Carley Childress (Belknap, Ill.) singled up the middle to lead off the inning. The Zips shortstop moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and darted for home on a passed ball for the score.
The Zips put a three spot on the board in the fifth inning with two hits. Junior Anna Tarpley (Jacksonville, Fla.) walked as the lead off batter and sophomore Caitlin Gambone (Canton, Ohio) followed with a bunt single. Junior Savannah Fruin (Delray Beach, Fla.) put the ball in play and Tarpley took off for home and was called safe due to obstruction by the catcher. Childress then stepped to the plate with runners in scoring position and singled home both runs.
Gambone brought home Akron's lone run in the sixth inning with a sacrifice bunt to the third baseman. Freshman Gabrielle Fredericks (New Philadelphia, Ohio) who singled to lead off the inning scored from third on the play.
Akron capped of the scoring with a four run seventh inning. Fruin (single), Childress (walk) each scored when Fredericks reached first safely on a throwing error by the Bulldogs shortstop. Tarpley then cleared the bases with a triple to right centerfield for two RBI.
Akron scored a run in the second, third and fourth inning en route to a 3-0 victory over Canisius. In the second inning, Tarpley brought home Fredericks with a single to right field. The Zips ran a double steal in the third inning, Childress broke for second and Fruin took off for home on the throw down and was able to score. Gambone scored the final run of the game for the Zips after junior Alyssa Nicholas (Cortland, Ohio) reached on an error by the third basemen.
The Zips return to action next Saturday, March 19, with a day trip to Dayton, Ohio, for a battle with the Flyers. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
